School Application

This application is for Gaston County school groups who wish to decorate a tree in Stowe Park for the 4th Annual Festival of Trees.

Join us as Downtown Belmont and Stowe Park are filled with a display of festive trees for all to enjoy throughout the month of December.

Tree Sponsor Expectation and Information: First place bragging rights will be awarded for each of the following categories: Non-Profit, School, and Downtown Merchant. Trees will be judged on theme, uniqueness, creativity, and overall presentation. Judging will take place Saturday, December 4th from 2:00-4:30. An event map will be created then published online and in the Belmont GO app, which will direct visitors to your tree. Please note there are only 40 trees available in Stowe Park and they will be filled on a first come, first serve basis, so apply early! IMPORTANT DATES – MARK YOUR CALENDARS Application Deadline – Friday, November 19th at 5:00 pm Tree Decoration Deadline – Monday, November 29th (all trees decorated by 3:00 pm) Tree Lighting Ceremony (at City Hall) – Monday, November 29th at 6:30 p.m. Remove tree decorations – January 3rd - 9th Stowe Park tree removal will take place on Monday, January 10th at 8:00 a.m. Decorations remaining on January 10th will be discarded with tree. Rules and Criteria for Tree Sponsors: - City of Belmont will provide live trees & lights in Stowe Park. Trees & lights will be set up in Stowe Park on Friday, Nov. 19. Trees will line the sidewalks throughout the park. - Stowe Park tree sponsors (non-profits & schools) must provide weatherproof decorations that are securely attached to tree. - Public Works will activate Stowe Park lights on Monday, November 29. For any questions about lighting or electrical issues, please contact the Public Works Dept. at (704) 825-0506. - Tree themes must be family-friendly - The City of Belmont will provide a sign for each tree that includes the organization/business name, short narrative about tree theme, and group logo. The tree narrative and group logo must be provided by organization as part of this application. - Your ornaments must be weatherproof and securely attached to tree – please remember that trees will be on display in the park for 30 days. - As this is a public display, the City of Belmont is not responsible for stolen/damaged items. - Do not block walkways or leave your tree unattended during the decoration process. Throw all trash away in designated trash containers. -Trees may not be moved under any circumstance.